Celebrating 50 years

For 50 years BRANZ research, testing and consulting has quietly made a big difference to New Zealand's constantly changing built environment.

The next 50 will bring greater challenges with increasing demographic, social and environmental pressures as well as technical complexity.

BRANZ will continue to use its energy, passion and expertise to co-create enduring solutions that will, over time, transform the way the built environment and sector perform. We are committed to making a difference for all New Zealanders.

Take a look at the impact BRANZ has made over that last 50 years.

Here's a snapshot of BRANZ over the decades

Newly formed BRANZ works in partnership with government to lead research into improved building techniques and materials.

It includes an advisory service and a research facility purpose built to conduct not previously available testing.

Key milestones:- Purpose-built fire research and testing laboratory developed at Judgeford site - 1973- First BRANZ appraisal is issued for a building strap tensioner - 1974- First research report published: Insulation requirements in the New Zealand Building Code - 1977

1980 - 1989 Sharpening profile and services

High inflation in the early 80s means a demand to build more efficiently, and BRANZ's research is more important than ever.

The government-led review of building controls is a chance to share BRANZ's expertise and inform real change.

BRANZ has its eye on the technological landscape, computerising its library, allowing industry direct access to a wealth of research and information.

Weathertightness research begins in response to industry requirements.

Research extends to energy efficiency and environmentally friendly materials and practices.

With a rapid increase in web traffic and e-commerce, improving the website and knowledge sharing becomes a stronger focus.

Key milestones:- Results from a 10-year BRANZ study of corrosion rates of steel, galvanised steel and aluminium at 181 sites around New Zealand form the basis of a 'corrosion map' - 2000- Weathertightness and cavity test building constructed on site - 2003/4- HEEP (Household Energy End-use Project) data collection is completed, providing data of energy use for an entire sector - 2005

2010 - 2019 Sharing knowledge

BRANZ proactively anticipates industry needs and a changing business landscape.

Shift to industry need-based research programmes rather than individual research projects, and develops a mobile app for building inspections for use by local councils.